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Tender air fryer dry-rub ribs served on a plate with barbecue sauce

Air Fryer Dry-Rub Ribs

Quick, easy, and flavor-packed ribs cooked in an air fryer, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the ribs
  • 2 pounds baby back ribs
For the dry rub
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a spicy kick
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and mustard powder to create the dry rub.
  3. Generously coat the ribs with your dry rub, massaging it in thoroughly.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the ribs in the basket (cut in half if necessary) and air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. For an extra crispy finish, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 5 minutes.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then slice into individual ribs. Serve with barbecue sauce if desired.

Notes

If your dry rub looks a bit lumpy, that’s just part of the seasoning magic! Good luck keeping leftovers around.